Introduction
John le Carré was one of the most celebrated British novelists of the 20th century. He was born David John Moore Cornwell in 1931 and passed away in 2020. He was a former British intelligence officer and wrote some of the most popular spy novels of all time. His books have been adapted into movies and TV shows, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers.
Best Books by John le Carré
1. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is one of the most famous works by John le Carré. It was published in 1974 and is a spy novel that follows the story of George Smiley, a retired intelligence officer who is brought back to find a Soviet mole within the British intelligence agency. The book has been adapted into a movie and a TV series.
2. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is another classic spy novel by John le Carré. It was published in 1963 and is a story about a British agent who goes undercover as a communist spy to gather intelligence. The book was a bestseller and has been adapted into a movie and a TV series.
3. A Perfect Spy
A Perfect Spy is a semi-autobiographical novel by John le Carré. It was published in 1986 and follows the story of Magnus Pym, a British spy who goes missing. The book explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of espionage on personal lives.
4. The Night Manager
The Night Manager is a spy novel by John le Carré that was published in 1993. It follows the story of Jonathan Pine, a former British soldier who becomes a hotel manager and is recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate the inner circle of an international arms dealer. The book was adapted into a TV series in 2016.
5. Silverview
Silverview is the latest novel by John le Carré, published posthumously in 2021. It follows the story of a retired British agent who is recruited to investigate a mysterious death in a seaside town. The book is a testament to John le Carré’s legacy as a master of espionage fiction.
John le Carré’s Personal Life
1. Early Life
John le Carré was born in Poole, Dorset, England, in 1931. His father was a con man and his mother left the family when he was five years old. He attended Sherborne School and later studied at the University of Bern in Switzerland. He joined the British intelligence agency MI6 in 1958 and served for five years.
2. Writing Career
John le Carré started writing novels while working for MI6. His first novel, Call for the Dead, was published in 1961. He went on to write many more successful novels, including the famous George Smiley series. He was known for his realistic and nuanced portrayal of the world of espionage.
3. Legacy
John le Carré passed away in 2020 at the age of 89. He left behind a legacy of great literature and a reputation as one of the greatest spy novelists of all time. His books have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. His influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary writers.
Movies Based on John le Carré’s Books
1. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965)
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold was adapted into a movie in 1965. It starred Richard Burton as the main character, Alec Leamas. The movie was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for several Academy Awards.
2. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was adapted into a movie in 2011. It starred Gary Oldman as George Smiley and was directed by Tomas Alfredson. The movie was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for several Academy Awards.
3. The Night Manager (2016)
The Night Manager was adapted into a TV series in 2016. It starred Tom Hiddleston as Jonathan Pine and Hugh Laurie as Richard Onslow Roper. The series was a critical and commercial success and won several awards.
4. Our Kind of Traitor (2016)
Our Kind of Traitor was adapted into a movie in 2016. It starred Ewan McGregor as the main character, Perry Makepeace. The movie received mixed reviews but was praised for its performances.
5. The Little Drummer Girl (2018)
The Little Drummer Girl was adapted into a TV series in 2018. It starred Florence Pugh as the main character, Charlie. The series received positive reviews and was praised for its performances and direction.
Conclusion
John le Carré was a literary giant who left behind a legacy of great literature and a reputation as one of the greatest spy novelists of all time. His books continue to inspire new generations of writers and his influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary writers. His personal life was as fascinating as his novels, and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
FAQ
Who is John le Carré?
John le Carré is the pen name of David John Moore Cornwell, a British author who is best known for his spy novels.
What are some of John le Carré’s best books?
Some of John le Carré’s best books include “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “Smiley’s People,” and “The Night Manager.”
What are some of John le Carré’s best movies?
Some of John le Carré’s best movies include “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “The Constant Gardener,” and “The Night Manager.”
What was John le Carré’s personal life like?
John le Carré was born in 1931 in Poole, Dorset, England. He studied at the University of Bern in Switzerland and worked for the British intelligence agency MI6 before becoming a full-time writer. He was married twice and had four sons. He passed away in December 2020.
